You've probably done it loads yourself (go on, admit it) and, if you don't, you may have strong feelings about it - and possibly even hate it. But have you actually heard of zip-merging?

Don't worry if you haven't - not many people have. But it's extremely common on our roads.

The phrase was coined in America and, according to the Manchester Evening News, it refers to the act of cars merging at the point of a lane closure, instead of moving lanes earlier.

And the reason it may leave you angry? Because it usually involves another driver passing you in the outside lane while you seethe silently, or extremely loudly, waiting to reach the point of the lane closure.

There's nothing worse than sitting in a queue of traffic while others pass you in the nearby lane

But, while you might hate the idea, there's actually a school of thought that it could be improving the flow of traffic?

Here's what we know:

Is it okay to zip merge?

This is likely to cause some debate but studies reveal that zip-merging actually reduces congestion, crashes and speeding.

A study in 2008 by an American work zone engineer found that the three primary benefits of zip-merging are:

A reduction in the difference in speeds between the two lanes: without the urgency to move over, the traffic is travelling at roughly the same speed in both lanes, making the merge easier and safer.

The length of queue is reduced by up to 50%, which is critical in areas where you find junctions and slip roads.

When nobody has a perceived advantage, the potential for ‘road rage’ is reduced significantly.

Over here in the UK, the consensus is the same - although they are a little less clear on the idea.

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Rule 134 of the Highway Code states: “You should follow the signs and road markings and get into the lane as directed. In congested road conditions, do not change lanes unnecessarily.

"Merging in turn is recommended but only if safe and appropriate when vehicles are travelling at a very low speed, e.g. when approaching road works or a road traffic incident. It is not recommended at high speed.”

Why do some people have an issue with zip-merging?

Let's face it - British drivers have lots of issues with the roads, not just with zip-merging (Image: Rui Vieira/PA Wire)

It's a good question and, basically, it's because as British people we love queueing so much. Zip-merging completely goes against this.

When motorists encounter a lane closure on a motorway or dual carriageway, the majority of drivers follow the etiquette of moving over early, but this creates one long, slow line of traffic and a near-empty outside lane.